[Effects of high salt diet on renal vascular reactivity in mice detected by laser speckle contrast imaging].

The aim of this study was to conduct experiments using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) technology to investigate the effects of high salt diet on renal vascular reactivity in mice. LSCI is a technology for monitoring blood flow based on the laser speckle principle. It has been widely used to detect microcirculatory functions in tissues such as the skin and brain.

mTORc2 in Distal Convoluted Tubule and Renal K + Excretion during High Dietary K + Intake.

Key Points: High K stimulates mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORc2) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Inhibition of mTORc2 decreased the basolateral Kir4.1/Kir5.

The effect of high-dietary K (HK) on Kir4.1/Kir5.1 and ROMK in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) is not affected by gender and Cl content of the diet.

Basolateral potassium channels in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) are composed of inwardly-rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) and Kir5.

[The mechanism of blood pressure regulation by high potassium diet in the kidney].

Hypertension is one of the strongest risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, cerebral stroke, and kidney failure. Lifestyle and nutrition are important factors that modulate blood pressure. Hypertension can be controlled by increasing physical activity, decreasing alcohol and sodium intake, and stopping tobacco smoking.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid metabolites inhibit Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the distal convoluted tubule.

Cytochrome -450 (Cyp) epoxygenase-dependent metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) have been shown to inhibit renal Na transport, and inhibition of Cyp-epoxygenase is associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. We used the patch-clamp technique to examine whether Cyp-epoxygenase-dependent AA metabolites inhibited the basolateral 40-pS K channel (Kir4.1/Kir5.

Kir4.1/Kir5.1 Activity Is Essential for Dietary Sodium Intake-Induced Modulation of Na-Cl Cotransporter.

Background: Dietary sodium intake regulates the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Whether the basolateral, inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1/Kir5.

Kir5.1 regulates Nedd4-2-mediated ubiquitination of Kir4.1 in distal nephron.

Kir4.1/5.1 heterotetramer participates in generating the negative cell membrane potential in distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and plays a critical role in determining the activity of Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC).

AT2R (Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor)-Mediated Regulation of NCC (Na-Cl Cotransporter) and Renal K Excretion Depends on the K Channel, Kir4.1.

AT2R (AngII [angiotensin II] type 2 receptor) is expressed in the distal nephrons. The aim of the present study is to examine whether AT2R regulates NCC (Na-Cl cotransporter) and Kir4.1 of the distal convoluted tubule.

Potassium intake modulates the thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC) activity via the Kir4.1 potassium channel.

Kir4.1 in the distal convoluted tubule plays a key role in sensing plasma potassium and in modulating the thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC). Here we tested whether dietary potassium intake modulates Kir4.

Potassium Sensing by Renal Distal Tubules Requires Kir4.1.

The mammalian distal convoluted tubule (DCT) makes an important contribution to potassium homeostasis by modulating NaCl transport. The thiazide-sensitive Na/Cl cotransporter (NCC) is activated by low potassium intake and by hypokalemia. Coupled with suppression of aldosterone secretion, activation of NCC helps to retain potassium by increasing electroneutral NaCl reabsorption, therefore reducing Na/K exchange.

Vasopressin-induced stimulation of the Na(+)-activated K(+) channels is responsible for maintaining the basolateral K(+) conductance of the thick ascending limb (TAL) in EAST/SeSAME syndrome.

The renal phenotype of EAST syndrome, a disease caused by the loss-of-function-mutations of Kcnj10 (Kir4.1), is a reminiscence of Gitelman's syndrome characterized by the defective function in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). The aim of the present study is to test whether antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)-induced stimulation of the Na(+)-activated 80-150pS K(+) channel is responsible for compensating the lost function of Kcnj10 in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of subjects with EAST syndrome.

[Expression of proteasome β5 subunit in human atherosclerotic plaque].

Objective: To evaluate the expression of proteasome β5 subunit in human atherosclerotic plaque.

Methods: The specimens of carotid endarterectomy were collected from 16 carotid stenosis patients. For the case group, they were divided into 2 groups: plaque (group A) and areas adjacent to plaque (group B).

[P70S6K is involved in the inhibition of testosterone production in TM3 mouse Leydig cells overexpressing Cox7a2].

Objective: To investigate the effects of Cox7a2 on the LH-induced testosterone production and the involved autophagy regulating signals in TM3 mouse Leydig cells.

Methods: The Cox7a2-pEYFP-N1 fluorescent protein vector was constructed and transfected into TM3 mouse Leydig cells. The level of testosterone was determined by ELISA, and the effects of Cox7a2 on the expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and the phosphorylation of the autophagy regulatory factor P70S6K were detected by Western blot.

Analysis of traumatic occupational fatalities in China.

Background: A descriptive epidemiologic analysis of the characteristics of workplace-based multiple fatality incidents in China can contribute to a scientific basis for the prevention and control of such fatal incidents as well for as the facilitation of medical assistance during these episodes.

Methods: We used data on workplace-based multiple fatality incidents spanning January 1, 2001-December 31, 2008 as collected by the National Work Safety Administration of China to analyze event frequency, type, number of deaths, mortality rate (per million persons), and regional distribution.

Results: A total of 17,277 workplace-based multiple fatality incidents were reported between 2001 and 2008, which were associated with 62,850 deaths and 30,418 injuries.

[The relationship between mine environment and hypertension in coal miners].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between mine environment and hypertension in miners.

Methods: 1736 male miners who worked under the ground and 825 on the ground were recruited in this study. Prevalence of hypertension under the ground and on the ground miners was compared.

Vagal effects on the occurrence of focal atrial fibrillation originating from the pulmonary veins.

Background: There is evidence that the autonomic nervous system may be involved in the mechanism of focal atrial fibrillation (AF), so the present study investigated the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system on the occurrence of focal AF originating from the pulmonary veins (PVs).

Methods And Results: In 10 mongrel dogs, programmed stimulation and local burst stimulation (12.5 Hz, impulse duration 0.